Starting a Pastured, free range Egg Farm. Introduction. Pastured Eggs. The Australian Egg Industry
|
|
- Jasmine Ford
- 5 years ago
- Views:
Transcription
1
2 Starting a Pastured, free range Egg Farm Introduction The free range egg industry has expanded rapidly and attracted both commercial and small scale farming interest. This developed into a long running battle over just what a free range egg was and, unfortunately, corporate interests have muscled in on demand and changed this farming system to something that does not meet with most expectations of what free range should be. It is time to move on and leave them to a descriptor that they themselves have devalued and relegated to supermarket shelves and price cutting wars. Pastured Eggs The pastured free range system of farming can be far more complex than initially expected and catches new entrants to this industry by surprise. As with any new industry going through the growth phase, pastured egg farming can look like an attractive prospect as it is perceived as an inexpensive way to get into agriculture, is quite often sold as a business package, and as something easy to do yet offers a high returns. The purpose of this booklet is to outline the issues that should be addressed in a proposal for a small scale pastured egg business and to identify potential risks and problems for those new to the industry. The Australian Egg Industry There are three recognized systems of egg production in Australia and the guidelines for these are set out in the Model Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals Domestic Poultry 4 th Edition (Model Code) and they are defined as: Free-range: hens are housed in sheds and have access to an outdoor range Barn laid: hens are free to roam within a shed which may have more than one level Cage hens: are continuously housed in cages within a shed (Primary Industries Report Series 83, 2014) Barn Laid and Caged are terms that are better defined but are becoming less popular in the Australian market. There has been a growth of free range sales
3 and the decline of other systems (Australian Egg Corporation, 2013). Campaigns by animal welfare advocates(rspca, 2014; Animals Australia, 2014) and feedback from consumers has seen one major supermarket commit to phasing out caged eggs from their branded lines of eggs (Woolworths Ltd, 2014). Welfare, Production, and Management Production Egg production is influenced by several factors such as the breed and strain of the bird, nutrition, mortality, health and management practices, age at pointof-lay, and age at peak of lay. Many small scale egg businesses choose to purchase new or replacement hens as point of lay pullets at about 18 weeks of age. If the decision is made to purchase day old chicks and raise them on farm, this practice will also increase the factors that will impact on overall productivity. The management of chicks is a lot more detailed than most think and their future life time egg production depends on how well they were raised. Disease must be managed, nutrition must be precise and the environment stress free. Other production factors to consider are location and access to markets, transport, available labour, feed availability and water supply. Large, commercial operations survive because of economy of scale, automated systems and they are often vertically integrated with their own breeder farms, hatcheries, transport, layer farms and grading facilities. The small scale producer must work to maximize their productivity to increase returns through maximising the number of eggs laid per hen, maintain egg quality, reducing feed cost through careful management and phase feeding, efficient management and access to niche markets. The number of eggs laid per day per hen will vary due to seasonality, day length, nutrition and the age of the hen. There a lot of things that could make your hens go off the lay and send you broke if you do not understand how they might happen. Lay rates are usually calculated as a percentage of eggs laid relative to the size of the flock. It is important to record daily egg numbers to be able to accurately assess the hens performance. A guide is to keep the overall lay rate above 75%. Most birds are culled when their lay rate decreases to 60 70%. Sometimes birds are kept to 50% depending on ability to fill orders and when replacement stock are available.
4 Small farms will be able to clean and package their own eggs on site but must be aware of the regulations and food safety standards that are in place both nationally and on a state level in regard to washing, grading and storage of eggs. Cold storage will be required and if the operator is to deliver their eggs, refrigerated transport will also be a necessity. Licenses are also usually required. There are several free range accreditation systems available to producers that all have similar standards for the production of free range eggs and hen management and have a focus on animal welfare and consumer concerns. Only PROOF focuses on pastured production. Having farm accreditation does assist with the marketing of eggs by offering the reassurance that someone else is looking over your shoulder and validating your claims. When you are selling direct or have personal contact with your clients this may not seem necessary, but, this industry is expanding rapidly and you need an advantage over your competitors. Many retailers are now insisting on accreditation so that they can demonstrate to their customers that you do meet their expectations. Poultry housing should be as mobile as possible to assist with management of the environment and the pasture. Flock sizes are generally 2,500 or less for layer hens in a true pastured system. Sheds should be designed for ease of relocation, appropriate interior environment for the hens and with adequate nesting and perching available. Small hen houses can still be fitted with rollaway nest boxes or automated egg collection systems. Labelling your eggs as Pastured Pastured is a term that is rapidly gaining popularity with consumers because it more accurately defines the conditions under which they expect their eggs to be produced. It also enables the producer to set themselves apart from what has now become a supermarket label, free range. When it comes to eggs, many producers have been led to believe that there is a legal requirement to label their eggs as either caged, barn or free range in line with the model code and this has caused a great deal of despair for those farmers that produce their eggs under such different conditions to the corporate giants that have taken over the term free range. Levelling the playing field will only serve to put small farms out of business and lead consumers down the same old path of deception.
5 PROOF (Pastured Raised On Open Fields) has been a leader in steering a new direction for both egg and pork producers and is working to ensure that our farmers hold on to their rightful place in the market and in doing so act, on sound advice. PROOF has sought legal advice on the requirements for labelling on egg cartons and our producers are free to label their eggs as pastured because there is no legal requirement to call them cage, barn or free range only*. The term pastured eggs would convey the impression that laying hens have reasonable access to and graze on pasture outside. The expression also conveys the impression that the diet of the laying hen substantially or meaningfully comprises of grass pasture (as opposed to exclusively relying on supplied feed stock), particularly if the term free range is used in conjunction with the term pastured. (If the term free range is included on your label you must comply with the new information standard when it comes into force. It will not be necessary for eggs simply labelled as pastured) On this basis, egg producers who use the term pastured eggs, must allow their laying hens access to grassy pasture to permit the hens to feed on grass in order to avoid contravention of the consumer protection laws. Our advice also recommends that to further mitigate the risk of contravening consumer law provisions, that more information about the meaning of pastured eggs be provided on the carton by using the PROOF definition for pastured production or using the PROOF logo and website link available to PROOF licensees. It is very important farmers are able to offer proof that their production system is genuinely pasture based so as not to mislead consumers, but to also ensure that our farmers have secure and viable future. Learn more about PROOF Licensing on the website While the Australian Egg Corporation has provided guidelines for producers that stipulated that the terms caged, barn or free range be used on egg cartons, this is a voluntary guideline. However, the Egg Corp Assured program does dictate that producers comply with the Egg Corporation guideline. So, the only restrictions on how production systems are described on egg cartons are if the producers are Egg Corp Assured or in the ACT. *except in the ACT
6 Management Poultry are descendants of the red jungle fowl but through breeding and selection for traits that are more useful to human needs such as egg production, it has become necessary to make adjustments to the environment in which they are now kept and to supplement them with feed to cater for the increase in productivity. Housing can be expensive but the largest cost in producing an egg is supplying feed. For the pastured egg producer there will be an additional cost in supplying feed if the flock size is small and large quantities cannot be purchased, however, the premium paid for eggs sold into niche markets can absorb this cost. Pasture will be available to free range hens but it is difficult to calculate how much the birds consume and what nutritional benefit the pasture provides. Monitoring pasture growth, feed intake and egg production is a good guide to consumption. A good pasture for grazing hens consists of perennial ryegrass and clover which could yield 15 tonne of dry matter per hectare per year. Pastures should be grazed in the middle phase of its growth cycle because if it is grazed too early recovery will be slow while if left too late, a lower quality pasture will result and poultry do not make efficient use of long pasture. There is no place in pasture egg production for the absentee farmer with flocks, feed and water requiring constant monitoring. Ideally, point of lay pullets would be purchased by the smaller producer that may not have the facilities or the know how to successfully raise these birds from chicks. It is important however to ensure that purchased birds have been trained in the use of perches while they are being raised. Another advantage to buying point of lay pullets is that they have already received all their vaccinations and this is vitally important to their long term health. It is far more difficult for small producers to acquire small quantities of vaccines and it also minimizes the risk of omitting a critical step in the vaccination schedule. Pasture Management Paddock rotation and pasture management are a necessary part of pastured production. Stocking densities need to be monitored and adjusted as necessary to achieve good outcomes. Vegetated cover of the range areas can be managed through paddock rotations and should ensure that all birds have access to edible forage. Nutrient loading in the soils grazed by birds should be
7 managed through effective paddock and stock rotations and when necessary, the implementation of procedures to remove or prevent the build-up of nutrients in the soil to unacceptable levels. A decrease in stocking rates may be necessary to achieve this. Regular soil testing will assess nutrient loading in the soil and what remedial action needs to be taken should soil nutrients reach unacceptable levels. Maintenance of groundcover is critical to effective erosion control. Stocking densities should be adjusted when necessary to ensure that groundcover is adequate enough to prevent erosion. Welfare Free range production is defined in the Model Code as Birds in free range systems are housed in sheds and have access to an outdoor range. The Model Code also sets out the minimum standards for hen welfare expected of all producer, no matter what system of production is employed. The guidelines for the welfare of layer hens is set out in the Model Code, however, the opinion of a growing number of consumers is that the Model Code does not satisfy their expectations for animal welfare and this is the driver behind the growth of the free range industry. Concerns have arisen about the welfare of birds in free range systems that are not managed well. Simply allowing birds access to a range in the outdoors (without the need for them to actually go outside under the new Australian definition), does not guarantee the best animal welfare outcomes so knowledge of bird behaviour, their nutritional and physiological needs as well as management of their environment is paramount to their welfare and the success of the business. Feather pecking and cannibalism can occur in pastured birds and are usually the result of a problem in the management system such as when overcrowding occurs or when stress, disease and diet impact on the birds ability to carry out normal foraging behaviour. Lower stocking rates, vaccination programs, lighting programs and adequate nutrition can overcome these issues (Tauson, 2005). Lay Jr, et al. (2011) also suggest that feather pecking can become redirected foraging behaviour when factors such as diet, stress, disease and overcrowding reduce the opportunity for normal foraging behaviour. An environment that encourages exploration and caters to the inquisitive nature of the chickens, lower stocking rates and good nutrition will help to prevent feather pecking but should it occur all management practices should be reviewed to find the cause.
8 Genetics and Breeding There are several strains of highly productive layer birds available. These birds are predominantly hybrid cross breeds such as the Hy-line Brown, Isa Brown, Hisex Brown, Bond (Lohman) Brown, Bond Black and the Nulkaba Brown. A report published by the Australian Egg Corporation indicated that the Hyline Brown and the Isa Brown performed best in free range conditions (Nagle, Singh, & Trappett, 2005). However the report also determined that mortality rates in all strains studied were unacceptable but decreased dramatically after beak trimming. The report concluded that further research into the nutritional requirements of free range birds was necessary. Other studies have indicated that better management practices such lower stocking rates, the ability to dust bathe, forage and escape confrontation can lead to management of such mortalities (Lay Jr, et al., 2011, Tauson, 2005). Nutrition Layer hens require a diet that provides enough energy, protein (amino acids) minerals and vitamins to lay to their full genetic potential and many of the poultry breeding companies provide guides to nutrition for their particular breed or strain of bird. Well managed pastures will provide some nutrition for the birds but just how much will depend on the species of fodder or grass, the growing season, maintenance of the pasture (mowing) and availability of irrigation. It is possible to provide up to 20% of the birds nutritional needs from pasture but it is recommended to have feed available to the birds at all times and to formulate the correct diet. As a guide, Crude Protein should be approximately 17% (although the levels of amino acid are of more concern) and although the birds may source considerable amounts of calcium from the soils, shell grit should still be supplied to assist the gizzard s grinding action, to enable the hen to better cope with fibrous grasses and to store reserves of calcium in older hens and hens should be fed a mash feed rather than pellets. A free choice feeding system could work well for free range poultry as it allows the hens to balance their own diet from protein concentrates, energy sources including vitamin and minerals. In a study by Golden, Arbona, & Anderson (2012)it was found that grazing available to free-range hens in on pasture did not provide hens with high enough protein levels, as was not of a composition necessary to support the
9 same level of production as caged hens that were being fed a concentrated and balanced diet so productivity could be slightly lower than caged birds. Water is a very important part of the hen s requirements and a clean, fresh and constant supply must be available. Hens prefer cool, slightly acidic water, and a cool water supply is essential during hot weather to help prevent heat stress. Heat Stress can cause serious losses and impact on animal welfare. It depresses performance and the amount of feed the birds will consume. Adjustments to the diet formulation should be made to ensure that the hens are receiving adequate nutrition as their intake is reduced. Vitamin C, is a very useful supplement for poultry under stress, particularly under heat stress. Supplementing diets with ascorbic acid, especially under heat stress, improves growth, egg production, egg shell strength. Health and Disease Maintaining the health of a free range flock can be a challenge and requires good stockmanship, a robust vaccination program, good hygiene practices and a mobile housing system that permits the management of contamination risks in pasture and paddock rotations. Rotations allow previously used areas to be exposed to sunlight and the drying effects are very beneficial against pathogens. Virus are the biggest infectious disease threat to poultry and therefore vaccination is the only effective tool to control an outbreak. Disease of most importance to layer hens are Marek s Disease, Infectious Laryngotracheitis, Newcastle Disease, Fowl Cholera, Infectious Coryza, Necrotic Enteritis, Coccidiosis, E. coli and Infectious Bronchitis. Diseases of poultry can be divided into three main categories: Behavioural, Metabolic and Infectious. Metabolic diseases occur when the nutrition of the birds is not balance and either does not meet or exceeds their needs. Weak bones and poor quality egg shell and Fatty Liver Disease are just two problems that can be prevented by following diet advice provided by the breeder of the chosen strain. Behavioural disease is most commonly exhibited as feather pecking and cannibalism that can be managed by avoiding, addressing and preventing stress in the birds or behavioural changes that can result in pecking behaviour.
10 Infectious causes may be viral or bacterial and because free range birds are in contact with the ground and soil, they are exposed to disease and internal parasites through faecal oral cycling. Control of those diseases that cannot be vaccinated against can be expensive and difficult and management of the environment is critical. Biosecurity plays a crucial role in the prevention of disease on a pastured egg farm which essentially means restricting movement of birds and people on the farm. Avian influenza can be spread by wild waterfowl so when surface water is used to supply the birds it must be sanitized. Poultry farms and range areas should be established away from water sources such as dams to minimize the risk of contact with wild birds by the hens. Biosecurity at a practical level is about designing a plan to minimize the introduction of disease from any source. Microbiology and Production Antibiotic use in food production is set to decline because it can increase the risk that bacteria will evolve to become resistant to antibiotics making human infections hard to treat. No matter what production system is used to produce eggs, the birds for these operations generally come from very large hatcheries where the chicks are hatched under very sterile and quite unnatural conditions. This means that the chick is not given the opportunity to adapt to its environment and build an efficient gut micro flora and this can lead to infections and disease when it is introduced to new pathogens on farm. The majority of small scale free pastured operations buy in point of lay pullets instead of chicks and this reduces the risk of losses to a large extend. Birds will still be exposed to new pathogens in their new environment and their adaptation can be aided by the use of probiotics. A Study published by the CSIRO indicates that there is evidence that pathogens that often impact on egg production and cause sudden deaths of hens, can be reduced when free range birds are treated with a probiotic before or during the onset of lay (Shini, Shini, & Blackall, 2013). The use of probiotics will benefit the health and performance of the birds and result in better animal welfare and economic gain for the producer. Product Quality and Safety Infected chickens transmit Salmonella to eggs especially when their environment is contaminated by carriers such as rats, mice, birds and flies. A hen will show no outward signs of illness once infected, but small deposits of
11 salmonella may be found in her eggs. Small amounts of salmonella may be relatively harmless but it can increase rapidly to dangerous levels if the eggs aren't cooled quick enough and kept at the right temperature during storage and shipment. Eggs can also be infected with salmonella from the outside by coming into contact with the bacteria in a contaminated environment or on dirty equipment. There have been many changes in egg production systems as well as the egg itself. Free range production will contribute to the microbial challenges the industry faces if good management is not in place. Summary It is way too easy to get caught up in sales pitches and hype and believe that pastured egg farming is the next get rich quick scheme. There is a lot more to it than that and you need to do your research and be prepared for the journey ahead. This booklet only outlines the basics so we urge you to purchase a copy of our new book Pastured Egg Farming Starting Out to give you a good grounding on the basics and to explain WHY you need to do things a certain way and put you in the driver s seat of your new business. Expenditure and Income Setup costs for a pastured egg farm will include: Range area and housing Perimeter and internal fencing Housing/shelters Feeders and waterers Water tanks Water supply (piped to paddocks) Irrigation for pasture (if available) Machinery to manage pasture and housing relocation (e.g. a small tractor) Egg Processing Egg packing room Coolroom
12 Egg grader (for larger operations) Delivery van Feed Storage silos Scales Operating Budget Income Eggs Sale of spent hens Gross Income: Annual Variable Costs Cartons and outers Delivery costs Marketing costs Feed costs Pullet replacement costs Medication Electricity Repairs and maintenance Total Variable Costs: Annual Fixed Costs Cost of labour Vehicle costs Insurance Phone Accountant
13 Legal fees Bank interest Certification fees Stationery Travel Consultancy Total Fixed Costs:
POULTRY STANDARDS The focus of PROOF certification is the on. farm management of livestock in a farming
The focus of PROOF certification is the on farm management of livestock in a farming system that provides unrestricted daytime access to actively managed, pastured range areas in an environment that encourages
More informationPOULTRY MANAGEMENT IN EAST AFRICA (GUIDELINES FOR REARING CHICKEN)
ĖĿĖWA Knowledge to develop Africa! Producer: Dr. Sarah Maina Editing: Dr. M. Mwangi. Contact: info@elewa.org Website: www.elewa.org ELEWA Publications. Farming Resources. 2008. POULTRY MANAGEMENT IN EAST
More informationFRENZ. World Leading Poultry Layer Standard
Celebrating New Zealand F years ree Ranging pasture far med As Nature Intended FRENZ World Leading Poultry Layer Standard Celebrating New Zealand F years ree Ranging pasture far med As Nature Intended
More informationA Guide to Commercial Poultry Production in Florida 1
A Guide to Commercial Poultry Production in Florida 1 Carrol Douglas 2 FACTORS IN PLANNING A POULTRY OPERATION Independent or Contract Production (1) Independent egg producers have the total responsibility
More informationCIWF Response to the Coalition for Sustainable Egg Supply Study April 2015
CIWF Response to the Coalition for Sustainable Egg Supply Study April 2015 The Coalition for Sustainable Egg Supply study seeks to understand the sustainability impacts of three laying hen housing systems
More informationRaising Pastured Poultry in Texas. Kevin Ellis NCAT Poultry Specialist
Raising Pastured Poultry in Texas Kevin Ellis NCAT Poultry Specialist NCAT Poultry Specialist San Antonio, TX About Me Raising Poultry for 17 years IOIA Accredited Organic Livestock Inspector B.S. Poultry
More informationAviagenBrief. Best Practice Management in the Absence of Antibiotics at the Hatchery. October Aviagen Veterinary Team.
AviagenBrief October 2017 Best Practice Management in the Absence of Antibiotics at the Hatchery Aviagen Veterinary Team Introduction In light of increased antibiotic resistance, and as consumer pressure
More informationFREE RANGE EGG & POULTRY AUSTRALIA LTD
FREE RANGE EGG & POULTRY AUSTRALIA LTD ABN: 83 102 735 651 7 March 2018 Animal Welfare Standards Public Consultation PO Box 5116 Braddon ACT 2612 BY EMAIL: publicconspoultry@animalhealthaustralia.com.au
More informationSlide 1 NO NOTES. Slide 2 NO NOTES. Slide 3 NO NOTES. Slide 4 NO NOTES. Slide 5
Slide 1 Slide 2 Slide 3 Slide 4 Slide 5 Left is broiler (for meat) bird (Cobb/Ross), have different nutritional needs to layers. From chick to kill can be as little as 34 days. Commercial layer (ends up
More informationrspca approved farming scheme impact report 2016
rspca approved farming scheme impact report 2016 2o years 805 million farm animals It s been twenty years since the RSPCA established the Approved Farming Scheme as part of its efforts to improve the
More informationRecommended Resources: The following resources may be useful in teaching
Unit C: Poultry Management Lesson 2: Feeding, Management and Equipment for Poultry Student Learning Objectives: Instruction in this lesson should result in students achieving the following objectives:
More informationCOURSES Overview
KWAZULU NATAL POULTRY INSTITUTE NPC Poultry Management Training Centre COURSES 2015 Overview These informative courses are all held at the KwaZulu-Natal Poultry Institute, Bisley, Pietermaritzburg. They
More informationFeeding the Commercial Egg-Type Replacement Pullet 1
PS48 Feeding the Commercial Egg-Type Replacement Pullet 1 Richard D. Miles and Jacqueline P. Jacob 2 TODAY'S PULLET Advances in genetic selection make today's pullets quite different from those of only
More informationFEED! CHOOSE THE RIGHT
WANT THE BEST EGGS? CHOOSE THE RIGHT FEED! Peters Free Range Poultry Mix supplies all the dietary requirements for your poultry to lay rich golden eggs that not only taste great, but are nutritious and
More informationBroiler production introduction. Placement of chicks
BROILER GUIDE Broiler production introduction Broilers are chickens that are specifically bred and raised for their meat. The goal for any broiler farmer is to successfully raise a day old chick to a market
More informationProposed Draft Australian Animal Welfare Standards And Guidelines For Poultry. Submission from the Australian Veterinary Association Ltd
Proposed Draft Australian Animal Welfare Standards And Guidelines For Poultry Submission from the Australian Veterinary Association Ltd 1 24 February 2018 Introduction The Australian Veterinary Association
More informationSome Problems Concerning the Development of a Poultry Meat Industry in Australia
Some Problems Concerning the Development of a Poultry Meat Industry in Australia by Fred. SKALLER* INTRODUCTION Poultry meat can be supplied either from culled laying birds, a by-product of the egg industry,
More information4-H Poultry: Unit 1. The Egg Flock For an egg-producing flock, select one of these birds: production-type Rhode Island Red Leghorn hybrids sex-link
4-H Poultry: Unit 1 A small flock of chickens does not require much space or money, and if you manage your flock well, you can earn some money. You might start with a small flock of 25 50 chickens, or
More information2018 HY-LINE BROWN SCHOOL EGG LAYING COMPETITION INFORMATION BOOKLET. Proudly supported by
2018 HY-LINE BROWN SCHOOL EGG LAYING COMPETITION INFORMATION BOOKLET Proudly supported by WELCOME On behalf of the RNA Poultry, Pigeons, Birds and Eggs Committee, I would like to welcome your school to
More informationPirovic Family Farm have now been in the Egg industry for over 52 years and are now moving into the third Generation of egg farmers.
Dear Animal Health Australia As the Managing Director and spokesman for the Pirovic Family farming operation, I am pleased to provide a submission to the standards and guidelines process. I am one of six
More informationFFA Poultry Career Development Event 2004 Poultry Judging District Contests
FFA Poultry Career Development Event 2004 Poultry Judging District Contests 1. In a market broiler house, heaters should be turned on to preheat the house hours before the chicks arrival. A. 5-10 hours
More informationLocal Grains and Free-Choice Feeding of Organic Layer Hens on Pasture at UBC Farm Introduction
Local Grains and Free-Choice Feeding of Organic Layer Hens on Pasture at UBC Farm Darin C. Bennett, Avian Research Centre, Jacob Slosberg, Centre for Sustainable Food Systems, Faculty of Land Food Systems,
More informationFactors Affecting Breast Meat Yield in Turkeys
Management Article The premier supplier of turkey breeding stock worldwide CP01 Version 2 Factors Affecting Breast Meat Yield in Turkeys Aviagen Turkeys Ltd Introduction Breast meat, in the majority of
More informationSHORT DESCRIPTION OF TECHNICAL PAPER CONTENT
Range Management is one of a range Animal Welfare Approved fact sheets designed to provide practical advice and support to farmers. For more information visit our website. SHORT DESCRIPTION OF TECHNICAL
More informationChick Quality breeder and hatchery influences. Daniel B Pearson Veterinary Health Director Aviagen UK Ltd
Chick Quality breeder and hatchery influences Daniel B Pearson Veterinary Health Director Aviagen UK Ltd Outline Definition of chick quality Nutrition Health Inputs Egg Hatchery Chick handling, storage
More informationEXECUTIVE SUMMARY. Assessment of layer hen welfare
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY There are two main types of housing systems for layer hens in Australia. The first is conventional or battery cages, which are barren wire cages, set in rows and tiers. A small number
More informationSUCCESS IS IN THE BAG
SUCCESS IS IN THE BAG NEW EPOL & MOLATEK PROUDLY TOGETHER LAYER FEEDING RATION BROCHURE EPOL = THE PERFECT BALANCE Epol has specialised ranges of feed for the different needs of layer farmers. The requirements
More informationREARING LAYING HENS IN A BARN SYSTEM WITHOUT BEAK TRIMMING: THE RONDEEL EXAMPLE
REARING LAYING HENS IN A BARN SYSTEM WITHOUT BEAK TRIMMING: THE RONDEEL EXAMPLE BACKGROUND: BEAK TRIMMING AND FEATHER PECKING IN LAYING HENS Injurious feather pecking is a major welfare problem in laying
More informationSHW 3003 Poultry Production
SHW 3003 Poultry Production MALAYSIA - PER CAPITA CONSUMPTION 35.34 Kilograms of chicken meat 299 table eggs DAILY OUTPUT of the POULTRY INDUSTRY 1.2 Million chickens (10 % Exported) 20 Million table eggs
More informationR A I S I N G Y O U R H O M E C H I C K E N F L O C K
R A I S I N G Y O U R H O M E C H I C K E N F L O C K WHAT IS A PROJECT AREA? Where you are interested Welcome to the Poultry Project: AKA Chick Chain What s your goal? Become proficient in knowing how
More informationUnit C: Poultry Management. Lesson 2: Feeding, Management and Equipment for Poultry
Unit C: Poultry Management Lesson 2: Feeding, Management and Equipment for Poultry 1 1 Terms Grit Palatability 2 2 I. Properly feeding poultry will supply all of the nutrients the birds need to adequately
More informationFARM INSPECTION REPORT
FARM INSPECTION REPORT Revision 7 @ June 2013 This revision Compliance Code of Practice AG1143 Gazetted Victoria 27.11.2003 www.dpi.vic.gov.au Applicant Information Full Name: Full Name: Full Name: Full
More informationGolden Lay Farms Ltd, Golden Lay Farms KZN (Pty) Ltd, Golden Lay Foods (Pty) Ltd. Reasons
COMPETITION TRIBUNAL REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA Case no.: 60/LM/Aug04 In the large merger between: Pioneer Foods (Pty) Ltd and Golden Lay Farms Ltd, Golden Lay Farms KZN (Pty) Ltd, Golden Lay Foods (Pty)
More informationBROILER MANAGEMENT GUIDE
BROILER MANAGEMENT GUIDE BROILER MANAGEMENT GUIDE A broiler is a type of chicken raised specifically for meat production. Broiler Chicken production is one of the most progressive livestock enterprises
More informationFFA Poultry Career Development Event 2000 Poultry Judging Contest Arkansas State FFA Judging Contest
FFA Poultry Career Development Event 2000 Poultry Judging Contest Arkansas State FFA Judging Contest Contestant Name: Contestant ID: 1. The per capita egg consumption is: A. 100 eggs per year B. 234 eggs
More informationAssessment Schedule 2017 Subject: Agricultural and Horticultural Science: Demonstrate knowledge of livestock management practices (90921)
NCEA Level 1 Agricultural and Horticultural Science (90921) 2017 page 1 of 6 Assessment Schedule 2017 Subject: Agricultural and Horticultural Science: Demonstrate knowledge of livestock management practices
More informationThe 1999 EU Hens Directive bans the conventional battery cage from 2012.
PS/MJ/BR9718 April 2002 ENRICHED CAGES FOR EGG-LAYING HENS B R I E F I N G EU ban on the conventional battery cage The 1999 EU Hens Directive bans the conventional battery cage from 2012. The ban is well
More informationCALIFORNIA EGG LAWS & REGULATIONS: BACKGROUND INFORMATION
CALIFORNIA EGG LAWS & REGULATIONS: BACKGROUND INFORMATION On November 4, 2008, California voters passed Proposition 2, which changes the way many hens in egg production are housed today. California passed
More informationSaskatchewan Sheep Opportunity
Saskatchewan Sheep Opportunity Prepared by Saskatchewan Sheep Development Board 2213C Hanselman Court Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7L 6A8 Telephone: (306) 933-5200 Fax: (306) 933-7182 E-mail: sheepdb@sasktel.net
More informationDeb Deb. days! as soon. as you. you want and. Frey s. help finding. and more. advantage. (the more you. sure to take. deal! ) and please ask if you
2018 CHICK DAYS PACKAGE Thank you for your interestt in our GrandErie Chick days! The cold winds and frost/snow/hail have yet to make way for spring yet, however this package may help you look towards
More informationFFA Poultry Career Development Event 2004 NEO Aggie Day. 1. With regard to egg storage, which of the following statements is FALSE?
FFA Poultry Career Development Event 2004 NEO Aggie Day 1. With regard to egg storage, which of the following statements is FALSE? A. The longer the egg storage time, the higher the egg storage temperature
More informationSarasota County Fair Poultry Project Book
Sarasota County Fair Poultry Project Book Exhibitor Name Project Year Date of Birth Age (at Sept. 1) Grade Club / Chapter Years in this project I hereby certify, as the exhibitor of this project, I personally
More informationFarmer Skill & Knowledge Checklist: Poultry Meat Production
Bulletin #1202 Farmer Skill & Knowledge Checklist: Poultry Meat Production Developed by Extension Professor Richard Brzozowski, University of Maine Reviewed by Extension Poultry Specialist Michael Darre,
More informationC O N T E N T S 1. INTRODUCTION
C O N T E N T S 1. Introduction...1 2. Principles of prosperous rearing period...2 3. Living space for chickens...2 4. Feeding space...2 5. Informative average feed consumption and body weight of final
More information3. Single of Double Henhouses 100 Single 20 Double 0 No Answer
1. Ownership Structure Question # in Survey Answer categories 100 Family Farm (sole proprietorship/partnership/llc), produces all of eggs marketed 90 Farmer-owned cooperative/llc where members produce
More informationA GUIDE TO VALUING OSTRICH
A GUIDE TO VALUING OSTRICH Introduction A reliable and fair method to value ostriches is required when buying and selling and also at times of accidental death or forced culling due to disease outbreaks,
More informationBackyard poultry. DPIPWE s guide for hobby farmers. Getting your birds. Legal requirements. Which breed? Before you get your poultry
Biosecurity fact sheet Current as at December 2010 Backyard poultry DPIPWE s guide for hobby farmers Legal requirements If you intend to sell, or even give away, eggs, you will have to comply with the
More informationSaskatchewan Breeder Meeting. July 7, 2015 Mark Belanger
Saskatchewan Breeder Meeting July 7, 2015 Mark Belanger Where do Breeders fit Understand that the industry has changed and we are not doing business the same Goal of feeding the world is counting on chickens
More informationWhat can cause too many mid-size eggs?
www.poultryresearchcentre.ca What can cause too many mid-size eggs? Eduardo Beltranena, Doug Korver, Rob Renema, Valerie Carney Table Egg Sizes Size Weight Range Price/Doz peewee under 42 g $0.27* small
More informationMANAGEMENT GUIDELINES PARENT STOCK
CLASSIC MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES PARENT STOCK FEMALE REARING PERIOD (0 24 WEEKS) KEY POINTS IN REARING: First week weight 150 g 100% individual grading between 3 4 weeks Bodyweight 600 g at 4 weeks Maintain
More information2015 Iowa State Poultry Judging CDE Written Exam Version A 1. What is the name of the portion of the digestive system that secretes hydrochloric acid
1. What is the name of the portion of the digestive system that secretes hydrochloric acid and the enzyme pepsin? a. Rumen b. Gizzard c. Proventriculus d. Crop 2. In egg laying operations, production goals
More informationHUMANE CHOICE True Free Range STANDARDS - POULTRY 2019 Version 2.5
HUMANE CHOICE True Free Range STANDARDS - POULTRY 2019 Version 2.5 HUMANE CHOICE STANDARD POULTRY The purpose of the Humane Choice True Free Range (Humane Choice) program is to by provide a credible, monitored
More informationFemale Persistency Post-Peak - Managing Fertility and Production
May 2013 Female Persistency Post-Peak - Managing Fertility and Production Michael Longley, Global Technical Transfer Manager Summary Introduction Chick numbers are most often reduced during the period
More informationBest Practice on the Farm
Best Practice on the Farm Rodent Control Best Practice on the Farm Rodent Control Introduction Rodents carry diseases which can contaminate a poultry flock; however, preventing rodents on a farm can be
More informationJudy Tholen JRS Country Acres Lake Mills, WI. January 17, 2013
Judy Tholen JRS Country Acres Lake Mills, WI January 17, 2013 Brown Eggs Everything you want to know about the production of our cage free brown eggs. History Current Operations Obstacles Future 2004 Hobby
More informationFemale Persistency Post-Peak - Managing Fertility and Production
Female Persistency Post-Peak - Managing Fertility and Production Michael Longley, Global Technical Transfer Manager May 2013 SUMMARY Introduction Chick numbers are most often reduced during the period
More informationKey facts for maximum broiler performance. Changing broiler requires a change of approach
Key facts for maximum broiler performance Changing broiler requires a change of approach Good chick quality = UNIFORMITY everywhere in the supply chain Performance 1. Professional breeder house / management
More informationRADAGAST PET FOOD, INC
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Radagast Pet Food, Inc. 503-736-4649 RADAGAST PET FOOD, INC. VOLUNTARILY RECALLS ONE LOT OF RAD CAT RAW DIET FREE-RANGE CHICKEN AND ONE LOT OF FREE-RANGE TURKEY RECIPE BECAUSE OF
More informationOn-Farm Salmonella Control Measures For. Pest Control
On-Farm Salmonella Control Measures For Layers Pest Control Rodents And Other Animals All animals, including birds and reptiles, can carry Salmonella spp. Control of Salmonella spp. from mammals such as
More informationUnit D: Egg Production. Lesson 4: Producing Layers
Unit D: Egg Production Lesson 4: Producing Layers 1 1 Terms broodiness caged layer production floor production layers 2 2 3 I. Layers are chickens that are used to produce large quantities of eggs. A.
More informationAustralian Consumer Law (Free Range Egg Labelling) Information Standard 2017
Australian Consumer Law (Free Range Egg Labelling) Information Standard 2017 I, Michael McCormack, Minister for Small Business, make the following information standard. Dated 2017 Michael McCormack DRAFT
More informationADDENDUM 4 GOOD MANAGEMENT PRACTICES AND SOP S FOR CATTLE FARMERS.
ADDENDUM 4 GOOD MANAGEMENT PRACTICES AND SOP S FOR CATTLE FARMERS. Explanation of bullet items: First part of item provides the reason or explanation for the action, whereas the second part is a test for
More informationRecommended Resources: The following resources may be useful in teaching
Unit D: Egg Production Lesson 1: Producing Layers Student Learning Objectives: Instruction in this lesson should result in students achieving the following objectives: 1. Discuss the materials and equipment
More informationBe Smart. A Practical Guide to Managing Feather Cover in Broiler Breeder Females
Be Smart An Aviagen Brand A Practical Guide to Managing Feather Cover in Broiler Breeder Females Dr. Vanessa Kretzschmar-McCluskey, Global Technical Transfer Manager, Aviagen Inc. Dr. Colin Fisher, Nutrition
More informationAllocating Feed to Female Broiler Breeders: Technical Bulletin #2
Allocating Feed to Female Broiler Breeders: Technical Bulletin #2 Brenda Schneider 1, Martin Zuidhof 1, Frank Robinson 2 & Rob Renema 2 1 Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development, 2 University of
More informationMarket Trends influencing the UK egg sector
Market Trends influencing the UK egg sector Presentation to Irish Egg and Poultry Conference 2018, Monaghan, 6 th November 2018 Mark Williams UK Egg Industry 40 million laying hens Egg consumption (2017)
More informationProduction Basics How Do I Raise Poultry for Eggs?
Production Basics How Do I Raise Poultry for Eggs? C H U C K S C H U S T E R U N I V E R S I T Y O F M A R Y L A N D E X T E N S I O N C E N T R A L M A R Y L A N D C F S @ U M D. E D U J E S S I E F L
More informationPARAMETERS OF THE FINAL HYBRID DOMINANT LEGHORN D 229
CMG_PARENT_STOCK+FINAL_HYBRID_OBALKA-VNITRNI.qxp 28.7.2010 21:16 Page 1 PARAMETERS OF THE FINAL HYBRID DOMINANT LEGHORN D 229 GROWING PERIOD: 1-18 WEEK OF AGE Livability.........................................................
More informationChecking Out Chickens
Ag in 10 Minutes a Day! Checking Out Chickens Poultry is a group of domestic fowl that includes chickens, turkey, ducks, ostriches, emus, and geese. These animals are all eaten for their meat. The fowl
More informationEDUCATION AND PRODUCTION. Layer Performance of Four Strains of Leghorn Pullets Subjected to Various Rearing Programs
EDUCATION AND PRODUCTION Layer Performance of Four Strains of Leghorn Pullets Subjected to Various Rearing Programs S. LEESON, L. CASTON, and J. D. SUMMERS Department of Animal and Poultry Science, University
More informationUnit C: Field Records. Lesson 3: Poultry Production and Record Keeping
Unit C: Field Records Lesson 3: Poultry Production and Record Keeping Student Learning Objectives: Instruction in this lesson should result in students achieving the following objectives: 1. Understand
More informationBroiler Management in Hot Weather
2016 Broiler Management in Hot Weather Xavier Asensio, Aviagen Technical Service Manager in Western Europe SUMMARY Broiler producers aim to attain the best performance from their flocks. In order to achieve
More informationRESPONSIBLE ANTIMICROBIAL USE
RESPONSIBLE ANTIMICROBIAL USE IN THE CANADIAN CHICKEN AND TURKEY SECTORS VERSION 2.0 brought to you by: ANIMAL NUTRITION ASSOCIATION OF CANADA CANADIAN HATCHERY FEDERATION CANADIAN HATCHING EGG PRODUCERS
More informationLivermore rules and regulations
Backyard Chickens Livermore rules and regulations In Livermore you need to apply for an animal fancier s permit. http://www.cityoflivermore.net/civica/filebank/blobdload.asp? BlobID=4195 Animals need to
More informationfunded by Reducing antibiotics in pig farming
funded by Reducing antibiotics in pig farming The widespread use of antibiotics (also known as antibacterials) in human and animal medicine increases the level of resistant bacteria. This makes it more
More informationRURAL INDUSTRIES RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION FINAL REPORT. Improvement in egg shell quality at high temperatures
RURAL INDUSTRIES RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION FINAL REPORT Project Title: Improvement in egg shell quality at high temperatures RIRDC Project No.: US-43A Research Organisation: University of Sydney
More informationChapter 6 Breeder flock management
Chapter 6 Breeder flock management The most important aspects of goose production are the management and feeding of the breeder flock as these can have a major impact on the reproductive rate, including
More informationSecretary Dr Karen Gao Contact:
Date: February 26, 2018 Name: Australasian Veterinary Poultry Association Contact information: President Dr Sheridan Alfirevich Secretary Dr Karen Gao Contact: http://www.avpa.asn.au/ The Australasian
More informationROSS TECH 07/46 Managing the Ross 708 Parent Stock Female
ECH ROSS TECH 07/46 Managing the Ross 708 Parent Stock Female 1 Aviagen provides customers with detailed Product Performance Specifications, Management Manuals and Nutrition Specifications as the basis
More informationChicken Farmers of Canada animal Care Program. Implementation guide
Chicken Farmers of Canada animal Care Program Implementation guide Implementation Guide Animal Care Program Introduction Chicken Farmers of Canada (CFC) has developed a comprehensive animal care program
More informationHy D. for Layers and Breeders. DSM Nutritional Products
Hy D for Layers and Breeders DSM Nutritional Products Advantages of Hy D Eggs Stronger egg shell Better hatchability Essential for proper embryonic development Used exclusively by embryos More potent and
More informationTrend of Poultry Business & Management
Trend of Poultry Business & Management Dr. Damnern Sohsuebngarm DVM & MSci. Avian Medicine. Feed using in Thailand Year 2015 by species; 17.92 Million MT Broiler Chicken Pork Fish Shrimp Cow Duck Laying
More informationCase Study: SAP Implementation in Poultry (Hatcheries) Industry
Case Study: SAP Implementation in Poultry (Hatcheries) Industry Applies to: Live Stock industries that deal with the poultry breeding and feed manufacturing processes. Poultry segment is involved in the
More informationFEEDING EWES BETTER FOR INCREASED PRODUCTION AND PROFIT. Dr. Dan Morrical Department of Animal Science Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa
FEEDING EWES BETTER FOR INCREASED PRODUCTION AND PROFIT Dr. Dan Morrical Department of Animal Science Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa Introduction Sheep nutrition and feeding is extremely critical to
More informationECONOMICS OF WINTER MILKING FOR MEDIUM TO LARGE DAIRY SHEEP OPERATIONS. Yves M. Berger
ECONOMICS OF WINTER MILKING FOR MEDIUM TO LARGE DAIRY SHEEP OPERATIONS Yves M. Berger Spooner Agricultural Research Station University of Wisconsin-Madison Madison, Wisconsin Words of caution Although
More informationRiverside County 4-H
Project Proficiency Program Poultry Proficiency Program Guidelines The Project Proficiency program assists youth in measuring themselves against standards of excellence in a project area. In the Project
More informationMAIL ORDER HATCHERIES: OPERATIONAL AND DISTRIBUTION LOGISTICS, SALMONELLA INTERVENTION ACTIVITIES AIMED AT PREVENTION OF HUMAN SALMONELLOSIS
MAIL ORDER HATCHERIES: OPERATIONAL AND DISTRIBUTION LOGISTICS, SALMONELLA INTERVENTION ACTIVITIES AIMED AT PREVENTION OF HUMAN SALMONELLOSIS DR. BRETT A HOPKINS MS, DVM, PH.D., DACPV BRETT.HOPKINS@YAHOO.COM
More information13 Pet Foods Ranked From Great to Disastrous
There are 13 categories on my list, and what you're feeding will fall into one of them. Now, if the diet you're serving your dog or cat happens to fall into one of the lower quality categories, I don't
More informationThere are very serious welfare issues in the breeding and intensive rearing of meat chickens:
BACKGROUND Worldwide, a total of around 50 billion chickens are slaughtered annually for meat, including nine billion in the USA, over five billion in the EU27 and around 800 million in the UK. Commercial
More informationPIAA. PET INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION Pet Care Professionals. PIAA Dogs Lifetime Guarantee Policy On Traceability & Re-Homing
PIAA PET INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION Pet Care Professionals PIAA Dogs Lifetime Guarantee Policy On Traceability & Re-Homing March 2012 2 3 Contents Executive Summary...4 The Issue...5 PIAA Policy Response PIAA
More informationAviagenBrief. Management Advice for Parent Stock Production with Minimal Antibiotic Use. October 2017
AviagenBrief October 2017 Management Advice for Parent Stock Production with Minimal Antibiotic Use Authors: Anne-Marie Neetson - Global Head of Animal Welfare, Dr. Dan Pearson - Director of Veterinary
More informationTABLE MEAT CHICKS SEASON
TABLE MEAT CHICKS 2014 2015 SEASON About Us Piggotts Poultry Breeders is a family-run poultry supplier and breeder based under the Chiltern Hills in the village of Eaton Bray, Bedfordshire. Supplying the
More informationCh. 88 EGG REFRIGERATION REQUIREMENTS CHAPTER 88. EGG REFRIGERATION REQUIREMENTS
Ch. 88 EGG REFRIGERATION REQUIREMENTS 7 88.1 CHAPTER 88. EGG REFRIGERATION REQUIREMENTS Sec. 88.1. Definitions. 88.2. Temperature requirements. 88.3. Thermometers. 88.4. Labeling. 88.5. Labeling for certain
More informationExclusion zone for harmful bacteria! Aviguard FOR BROILERS, LAYERS, TURKEYS AND GAMEBIRDS
Exclusion zone for harmful bacteria! Aviguard FOR BROILERS, LAYERS, TURKEYS AND GAMEBIRDS Where to use Aviguard Aviguard should be used whenever there is a need for establishment or re-establishment of
More informationFARM ASSURANCE FOR SHEEP ONLY
Farm Assurance FARM ASSURANCE FOR SHEEP ONLY 1) ANIMAL TREATMENTS The aim is to ensure that consumers of products produced at Blue Sky Meats have no risk as a result of animal health treatments on farms
More informationNCC Poultry Welfare Guidelines: The reasons behind
NCC Poultry Welfare Guidelines: The reasons behind Dr. Inma Estevez Department of Animal and Avian Sciences University of Maryland Delmarva Breeder, Hatchery and Grow-Out Conference Salisbury, MD September
More informationUnit A: Introduction to Poultry Science. Lesson 1: Exploring the Poultry Industry
Unit A: Introduction to Poultry Science Lesson 1: Exploring the Poultry Industry 1 Terms Broilers Chick Cockerels Drake Duckling Gander Goose Gosling Hen Layers Poult Poultry Pullet Producers Pullets Roosters
More informationRADAGAST PET FOOD, INC
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Radagast Pet Food, Inc. 503-736-4649 RADAGAST PET FOOD, INC. VOLUNTARILY RECALLS THREE LOTS OF RAD CAT RAW DIET FREE-RANGE CHICKEN RECIPE AND ONE LOT OF PASTURE- RAISED VENISON RECIPE
More informationGlobal Food Supply Chain Risks. Antibiotics and the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the food chain
Global Food Supply Chain Risks Antibiotics and the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the food chain Antibiotics and the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the food chain Antibiotic-resistant
More informationEgg Survey. Type of egg eg free range, large, medium, mixed weight MIXED WEIGHT Wyau San Siôr Free Range. Price of box of 6 cost per egg. 1.
Egg Survey You get what you pay for. If you don t really care about the welfare of the chicken that laid the egg you can buy an egg for 9p, but these hens will never have seen the light of day. Are Wyau
More information